If you want bigger fish then throw a big shad swimbait. The smallies in Melvern seem scared of deep water. All the smallies 3-5 pounds I've caught out there I bet the deepest was 8' excluding winter months. The biggest was in less than a foot in the middle of the day and the biggest one I've hooked (6+) was also less than 1' deep, also in the middle of a bright, sunny day.

Agreed.  With the exception of the day we threw spoons for them in December, all my bigger fish have come shallow.  My largest, just under 5lbs, was in about 2' on a spinnerbait.  A year ago my father and I got 2nd in our get together (granted it was spring) but we caught over 16lbs on 5 fish on the Ned in about 2-3 feet of water.

 

If I had a rig to throw it on already, I probably would own one. But since I don't, it's not just a $50 purchase, more like a $250 purchase by the time I get the rig... and I'm married... nuff said..

Or... buy a cheap one on ebay and let me paint it for you

Or... buy a cheap one on ebay and let me paint it for you

I second this motion.

That still doesn't solve the rod/reel combo!!!!

I do have a few baits for you to paint drew. I'll catch up with you on that.

That still doesn't solve the rod/reel combo!!!!

I do have a few baits for you to paint drew. I'll catch up with you on that.

excuses excuses.......they recommend throw the 5" on a spinnerbait rod

excuses excuses.......they recommend throw the 5" on a spinnerbait rod

A 1.35 oz bait on a spinner bait rod??? Sounds dangerous...

A 1.35 oz bait on a spinner bait rod??? Sounds dangerous...

Quote from the bull shad owners guide:

The 5 incher really shines on schooling fish whether it be bass, or smaller hybrids or white bass. The 6 incher you can work at semi slow to fast retrieves . The 5 incher is strictly a slow to medium retrieve bait. You can throw both of these baits on your favorite normal bass rods and reels. For the 5 incher you can rig it on any spinnerbait/senko type rod (Medium Heavy action) and use 15 to 20lb test Triple Fish camo line and the four power Dobyns 734 Champion Extreme rod is the perfect rod for this bait. The 6 incher you can easily throw it on your favorite flipping stick and I would reccomend using 20lb test Triple Fish Camo line. Do keep in mind that you can throw the baits on lighter line but, it's the constant torquing of the knot throwing these 2 to 4oz baits causes your line to weaken. That is why I reccomend using a big heavier line than what you can actually use and as an added benefit is it helps prevents you from losing your lure so always be checking your knots especially if you use less than what I am reccomending here.

You my friend are an instigator to the bait monkey... My wallet and wife will be cussing you! 

You my friend are an instigator to the bait monkey... My wallet and wife will be cussing you! 

Just tell her that its for her... my dad tried that once for an birthday present that he forgot to get her when he had a fishing trip planned... Might work out better for you haha

I fish mine on a 7' 2" MH/F with 17lb copolymer.

And they would NOT touch a spook today. We for sure had over 50 fish just on the Bull Shads.

I fish mine on a 7' 2" MH/F with 17lb copolymer.

And they would NOT touch a spook today. We for sure had over 50 fish just on the Bull Shads.

You all make me crazy. Some day when I'm divorced I'm going to join you at Melvern. It blows my mind you get down there every weekend. 

You all make me crazy. Some day when I'm divorced I'm going to join you at Melvern. It blows my mind you get down there every weekend. 

 

Just that time of year. I've been 5 out of 6 weekends now. Don't see any change through November at least. Smallie fever.

I don't have weekends off. I'm off Thursday and Friday instead. Makes going fishing a lot easier.

Well I'm envious nonetheless. Who wants to watch my two under three year old kids while I go fishing? How big are the smallies at Melvern? My oldest is pretty strong in the water. Maybe I can use him as a swimbait.